Press release -
Stockton-on-Tees stroke survivor calls on people to ‘Give a Hand’
Young stroke survivor Emily Simpson, who had a stroke aged just 10 years old, is challenging people across the North East to ‘Give a Hand’ to the Stroke Association.
The charity’s fundraising initiative ‘Give a Hand’ will see people across the UK complete an everyday activity using the hand they wouldn’t normally use from 26 October to 01 November 2015.
Emily Simpson, 13 from Stockton-on-Tees had a stroke in July 2012. Emily lost the use of her right side and has undergone intensive physiotherapy and speech therapy. The stroke also left Emily with aphasia – a condition affecting a person’s speech.
Now Emily attends Bishopsgarth School in Stockton and is making steady progress in her recovery. She can now walk with the aid of a splint and is learning to write with her left hand. She has also learned how to swim, using only her arm and leg, while snorkelling on holiday.
Emily's mum, Carolyn said “Emily’s recovery has been slow, but she has an irrepressible determination to get on with life. She wants to be a model and an inspiration for other people with disabilities. I’m so proud of her. Emily has been through so much, but she keeps smiling through it all.
“By getting involved with ‘Give a Hand,’ hopefully many more people will able to help change the world for stroke survivors. The vital funds raised for the Stroke Association will support people like Emily are on the road to recovery.”
Lauren Flint, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “A stroke strikes in an instant but its effects can last a lifetime. Three quarters of stroke survivors lose the use of one of their hands. Often people affected by stroke have to re-learn to do the things they’ve always done – using their other hand. The Stroke Association supports people through this rehabilitation.
“We’re calling on people to ‘Give a Hand’ this October and raise funds by completing a task, or several, using their ‘other’ hand. By taking part and raising funds for the Stroke Association, we can help more people like Emily to conquer stroke.”
To find out more about ‘Give a Hand,’ please visit www.stroke.org.uk/giveahand to download or request a fundraising pack. For more information about stroke call the helpline on 0303 3033 100.
Topics
Categories
Regions
A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and together we can conquer stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk
